A Breath of Fresh Éire: A Spring Weekend in Dublin

Welcome to Dublin! Fight jet lag by immersing yourself into the city with a walking tour. Original Dublin is a personal favorite as their group tours are very affordable yet still highly educational and engaging.

After the walking tour, refuel with coffee and a sandwich at The Pepper Pot within the Powerscourt Centre, a specialty shopping centre in a refurbished Georgian townhouse. The seats at The Pepper Pot overlooking the mall are excellent for people watching! Peruse the shops after lunch. MoMuse Jewelry is a personal favorite.

Stroll through St. Stephen’s Green on your way to O'Donoghue’s for a pre-dinner Guinness. Enjoy the spring blooms in the Victorian garden that opened to the public in 1880. O’Donoghue’s is beloved by locals and tourists alike! Be sure to enjoy your Guinness in the original bar room by entering through the door to the left. For dinner, Etto is a few doors down and is a delicious spot to enjoy modern European cuisine. Reservations are required.

If you have Irish heritage, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is a must. This highly immersive museum offers a powerful and engaging look at why so many Irish people left their homeland, how they journeyed across the world and the enduring impact they’ve had globally. At least 23 presidents of the United States can trace their heritage to Ireland, as well as an estimated 70 million people globally — remarkable for a country of five million people today!

A visit to Dublin isn’t complete without walking through the Trinity College campus and library, which houses the Book of Kells. Prepurchase your tickets before your trip — they book up well in advance.

Dublin is known for its breweries and distilleries, and many offer informative guided tours. The Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery are fan-favorites for global brands. Try the Pears Lyons distillery as well if you’re interested in a more local alternative. Or, visit The Brazen Head to experience Ireland’s oldest pub.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the Fish Shop or Bar Pez. The sister restaurants are renowned for their fresh seafood and tapas in an upscale setting. Reservations are required.

It’s time for a day trip! If Dublin is your only stop in Ireland, a trip to the coastal town of Howth is a must. Howth is easily accessible from downtown Dublin via the DART train in 30 to 45 minutes. Once you arrive in Howth, embark on an idyllic five-mile hike alongside the coast on the Howth Cliff Walk.

Fish and chips are in order after your hike! Try O’Connells Pub and Restaurant for a sit-down option, or Beshoff Bros if you’d rather take it to go to enjoy sitting along the Howth marina. Walk around the Howth pier and enjoy the many shops with goods from local artisans. If you have time before your train back to Dublin, The Bloody Stream is a great option to grab a quick pint.

On your last night, Spitalfields is a great option for a modern twist on traditional Irish cuisine. Order the Cock-a-Leekie Pie — you won’t regret it! Reservations are required.